The Propeller Mini is a low-cost solution for embedding a multi-core microcontroller system in those hard-to-reach places or small-sized projects where a full-sized development board is not practical. The board is small in size and component count, while having the necessary features that you would expect from a control board.

You can solder the included header pins onto the Propeller Mini and be ready for breadboarding out of the bag. You also have the option of soldering your project's wire leads directly to the through holes on the board, to keep the control system for your project small. Alternatively, you can solder sockets onto the Propeller Mini so it can plug into a proto board containing your sensors and other components. Whichever connection method you choose, you can have a complete prototyping system or project while maintaining a small footprint.

Propeller Mini Features

Propeller P8X32A-M44 multi-core microcontroller

64KB EEPROM for program storage

Fixed 5V 1A and 3.3V 400 mA regulators can power devices such as sensors, LCDs, or a servo

Removable 5 MHz crystal can be replaced with other values

Access to 19 digital I/O for control and communication with sensors and other devices

3.3V DC regulated output @ 400 mA max

5V DC regulated output @ 600 mA max

Voltage requirements: Regulated 6.5V to 12V DC though VIN pin

Dimensions: 0.81 × 1.52 inches (20.5 × 38.6 mm)

Operating temperature: -40 to +185 °F (-40 to +85 °C)

Strip of 40 breakaway header pins included

The four headers on the bottom of the board are used for serial programming of the Propeller microcontroller. If you install pins here, you can plug in the Prop Plug USB-to-Serial adapter. The spacing of these programming headers is slightly tighter than 0.1", so you should be able to get a good connection just by pushing a strip of four header pins into the holes. This way, you don't need to solder a permanent programming connector on the board if you're planning only to program the chip once.

Propeller Overview

The Propeller chip makes it easy to develop embedded applications rapidly. Its eight processors (cogs) can operate simultaneously, either independently or cooperatively, sharing common resources through a central hub. You have full control over how and when each cog is employed; there is no compiler-driven or OS-driven splitting of tasks among multiple cogs. A shared system clock keeps each cog on the same time reference, allowing for true deterministic timing and synchronization. Two programming languages are available: the easy-to-learn high-level Spin, and Propeller Assembly which can execute at up to 160 MIPS (20 MIPS per cog).